This is a great question, and while I don't think you can just students' understanding one way or another simply with test results, I think the question still has to be asked: do videos support new learning, or simply reinforce incorrect learning. Derek Muller discusses his doctoral thesis: "It is a common view that 'if only someone could break this down and explain it clearly enough, more students would understand.'... they do not engage with the media on a deep enough level to realize that what was is presented differs from their prior knowledge." The answer isn't a simple yes-no, of course: if misconceptions are presented and then refuted (a la Mythbusters) then students can learn from videos. -- Downes OLDaily march 20
Garr Reynolds' blog -- it's at the top of my Google Reader! You'll enjoy his insights on what's happening in the world through a visual, creative lens.
Why students need to fail
Moira MacDonald, University Affairs, December 4, 2013
Interesting article on the design of a course that has students act as instructors, drawing their presentations from dense and difficult texts, in an environment that is challenging and often results in failure. The course, taught by Concrodia University professor Vivek Venkatesh, "was really about thinking on your feet," says Tieja Thomas, a PhD candidate who took the course. "You had to come prepared . . . It really was a deeper form of learning."